Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division P4SMA18CAHE3/5A
- Part No.:
- P4SMA18CAHE3/5A
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Datasheet:
-
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 15.3VWM 25.2VC DO214AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A from Vishay General Semiconductor is a bidirectional surface-mount Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diode in SMA (DO-214AC) package, designed for clamping voltage transients on signal and power lines. It features a 15.3 V standoff voltage (VWM), 17.1–18.9 V breakdown voltage (VBR) at 1 mA, 25.2 V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 15.9 A peak pulse current, and 400 W peak pulse power rating with 10/1000 µs waveform - used to protect MOSFETs, sensor interfaces, and communication lines in automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the P4SMA18CAHE3/5A datasheet, P4SMA18CAHE3/5A pinout, P4SMA18CAHE3/5A application, or P4SMA18CAHE3/5A equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C junction temperature rating, low incremental surge resistance, and compatibility with automated SMT placement on standard PCB pads.
Technical Context
This device operates as a voltage-clamping protector with symmetrical avalanche behavior in both directions, enabling robust transient suppression without polarity sensitivity. Its glass-passivated junction ensures stable breakdown characteristics and fast response time (<1 ns), while the SMA package supports high thermal dissipation under repetitive surge conditions.
The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A delivers 400 W peak pulse power (derated to 300 W above 91 V) with a 10/1000 µs waveform, and exhibits a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 120 °C/W. It is rated for -65 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature and meets J-STD-020 MSL Level 1 with 260 °C reflow peak.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM (Stand-off Voltage) | 15.3 V - Maximum continuous reverse working voltage before clamping begins; defines safe operating margin below breakdown. |
| VBR (Breakdown Voltage) | 17.1–18.9 V at 1 mA - Confirmed avalanche initiation range; ensures predictable turn-on during transients. |
| VC (Clamping Voltage) | 25.2 V at 15.9 A - Peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000 µs surge; determines stress on downstream components. |
| PPPM (Peak Pulse Power) | 400 W - Sustained transient energy absorption capability under standard 10/1000 µs waveform; derates above 91 V. |
| IPPM (Peak Pulse Current) | 15.9 A - Maximum non-repetitive surge current the device can safely divert without degradation. |
| TJ max. | 150 °C - Maximum allowable junction temperature; enables reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 Qualified | Yes - Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per AEC specification. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SMA (DO-214AC), surface-mount, low-profile plastic case with matte tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002 and JESD 22-B102. Meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Bidirectional construction has no polarity marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | One terminal of symmetrical avalanche junction; connects to protected line or ground reference depending on layout. |
| Cathode | Transient return path (bidirectional) | Second terminal of symmetrical junction; functionally identical to anode in bidirectional mode; no band marking. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional clamping | Enables single-device protection of AC-coupled or floating signal lines without polarity constraints. |
| 400 W peak pulse power | Supports IEC 61000-4-5 Level 4 surge immunity (4 kV line-earth) when properly laid out with adequate copper area. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validates suitability for automotive powertrain, body electronics, and ADAS sensor interfaces requiring long-term field reliability. |
| MSL Level 1 moisture sensitivity | Allows direct placement into reflow without baking; compatible with standard SMT assembly processes up to 260 °C peak. |
| Glass-passivated junction | Ensures stable VBR tolerance and low leakage (<1 µA at VWM) over temperature and lifetime. |
Applications
| Automotive Sensor Protection | Industrial CAN Bus Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting analog output lines of pressure, temperature, or position sensors in engine control modules exposed to load dump and inductive switching noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamp placed across sensor supply and ground or signal and return to limit transient excursions. Use Value: Prevents latch-up or permanent damage to precision op-amps and ADC inputs during ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a/b events. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding CANH/CANL differential pair against ESD and EFT in factory automation controllers and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance bidirectional suppressor installed at connector entry point to shunt common-mode surges. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity below 25 V clamping threshold while surviving >15 kV contact ESD per IEC 61000-4-2. |
| Consumer USB Power Delivery | Telecom DSL Line Interface |
Use Scenario: Overvoltage protection on 5 V/9 V/15 V USB PD power rails in portable docking stations and monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS placed between VBUS and GND to absorb hot-swap and adapter fault transients. Use Value: Clamps to 25.2 V within nanoseconds, preventing damage to USB PD controller ICs rated for ≤28 V absolute maximum. |
Use Scenario: Front-end surge protection for ADSL/VDSL line drivers connected to outside plant wiring susceptible to lightning-induced surges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary protection device mounted before transformer or integrated line driver IC. Use Value: Handles 400 W 10/1000 µs surges while maintaining low capacitance to avoid signal attenuation above 1 MHz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMBJ18CA | Higher 600 W peak pulse power; larger SMB (DO-214AA) package; same VWM/VC specs. | Better suited for higher-energy surges where board space allows larger footprint. | Select when system-level surge tests exceed 400 W or require higher IPPM margin. |
| 1.5KE18CA | Through-hole TO-204AE (DO-204AC) package; 1500 W peak power; higher VC (27.7 V); same VWM. | Used in legacy designs or high-power AC mains protection where SMT is not required. | Choose only for through-hole prototyping or repair scenarios; not drop-in for SMT production. |
Compared with SMBJ18CA and 1.5KE18CA, the P4SMA18CAHE3/5A offers optimal balance of compact SMA footprint, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 400 W surge handling - making it preferred for space-constrained automotive and industrial SMT assemblies where reliability and manufacturability are critical.
Availability
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, industrial CAN bus nodes, USB PD power rails, and telecom DSL line protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Vishay General Semiconductor is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, specializing in diodes, rectifiers, and protection devices with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and application-specific performance.
The P4SMA Series is engineered for high-reliability transient suppression in automotive, industrial, and communications equipment - delivering consistent clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 validation, and optimized SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of P4SMA18CAHE3/5A at its rated peak pulse current?
The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 25.2 V at 15.9 A peak pulse current (IPPM) under a 10/1000 µs waveform. This value is measured per standard test conditions in the Vishay datasheet (Document Number: 88367) and defines the upper voltage limit imposed on protected circuits during surge events. The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A maintains this clamping performance across its qualified temperature range.
Is P4SMA18CAHE3/5A suitable for automotive applications?
Yes, P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is AEC-Q101 qualified and explicitly designated for automotive use with the "HE3" suffix. It undergoes stress testing for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per AEC requirements. The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is commonly deployed in engine control units, body control modules, and ADAS sensor interfaces where transient immunity and long-term reliability are mandatory.
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
The "CA" suffix in P4SMA18CAHE3/5A denotes a bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both polarities, with identical VBR, VWM, and VC characteristics in either direction. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4SMA18A), the P4SMA18CAHE3/5A has no cathode band marking and is ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal lines.
What is the standoff voltage (VWM) of P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
The standoff voltage (VWM) of P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is 15.3 V - the maximum DC or RMS voltage that can be continuously applied without triggering significant leakage current (>1 µA). This parameter ensures the P4SMA18CAHE3/5A remains non-conductive during normal operation while remaining ready to clamp transients exceeding this threshold.
Does P4SMA18CAHE3/5A require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes - to achieve rated 400 W pulse power, the P4SMA18CAHE3/5A must be mounted on minimum recommended copper pad areas: 0.2" x 0.2" (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) per terminal, per Vishay's datasheet Figure 1. Reducing pad size or using narrow traces increases thermal impedance and reduces effective surge handling. The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A also benefits from short, low-inductance paths to ground or return planes to preserve clamping speed.
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Vishay General Semiconductor - Diodes Division
- Package/Case:
- DO-214AC, SMA
- Series:
- P4SMA, TransZorb®
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 15.3V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 17.1V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 25.2V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 15.9A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- -
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-214AC (SMA)
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A reliable?
The price and inventory of P4SMA18CAHE3/5A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
P4SMA18CAHE3/5A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4SMA18CAHE3/5A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
For technical support, including P4SMA18CAHE3/5A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4SMA18CAHE3/5A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4SMA18CAHE3/5A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4SMA18CAHE3/5A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that P4SMA18CAHE3/5A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4SMA18CAHE3/5A?
All P4SMA18CAHE3/5A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4SMA18CAHE3/5A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The P4SMA18CAHE3/5A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4SMA18CAHE3/5A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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